Good to know

The height difference from the heel to the forefoot, also known as heel drop, toe
spring, heel to toe spring or simply drop.

There are many opinions about what a good heel drop is. We do not recommend
any in particular. Lean more in this video.

Heel height

Men: 18mm

Women: 18mm

Forefoot height

Men: 15mm

Women: 15mm

Width

Men: normal

Women: normal

Release date

Unknown

Show moreless facts

Summary

We spent 8.2 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:

6
reasons to buy

The Synthetic Mesh upper is lightweight and soft to the skin.

The inclusion of a toe cap enables some protection for the forefoot from debris.

Many runners appreciated the Injected EVA mid-sole with a 3mm foot bed for added cushioning and comfort.

The Met-Cradle synthetic webbed forefoot secures the foot and keeps it in the shoe based on a handful of comments.

A sticky rubber outsole makes the Mudclaw 265 more capable when it comes to gripping the various surfaces of the trail as noted by a few runners.

It’s one of the more lightweight Mudclaw models on the market.

3
reasons not to buy

Some runners thought that the forefoot area was still a bit wide despite the forefoot securing mechanics.

The testers noticed that it was one size smaller than the usual.

It has an expensive price.

Bottom line

The Mudclaw 265 from Inov-8 is a reliable trail shoe for everyone who wants responsiveness and durable performance when tackling the off-road paths. It’s a neutral shoe that offers mild securing mechanics and moderate amounts of cushioning for a better ride.

I’d say that the new upper is marginally less comfortable than the old version for long runs but it does what it’s supposed to do in that it’s tough, it has even better water resistance and drains well.

Updates to Inov-8 Mudclaw 265

Tough and wet terrains are no match for the Inov-8 Mudclaw 265. This minimal trail running shoe uses a low-profile design to give the wearer a more natural feeling when in it, while an aggressive outsole construction makes sure to provide the right amount of grip on different types of surfaces.

The upper of this running shoe brings durable and comfortable coverage. It features some of the most efficient components and fabrics in order to make sure that the foot stays snug and secure while inside the shoe. The unit itself isn’t weighty, and it allows the natural movement of the foot.

A minimal mid-sole unit truly captures the minimalist performance needs of runners who specifically desire this style of running. The platform itself is still comfortable because the foam used here is of high quality. Cushioning is still very much palpable, and a 3mm foot bed adds more to that underfoot comfort.

The outsole unit of the Inov-8 Mudclaw 265 uses a trail-specific design to fully provide protection for the rest of this running shoe when it comes to the abrasive nature of the outdoor terrain. Gripping lugs pockmark this external layer, efficiently delivering multi-surface traction.

Inov-8 Mudclaw 265 size and fit

The Inov-8 Mudclaw 265 is true to its size. The men and women’s versions follow the regular measurements for its length. The medium width accommodates the runner who has a medium sized foot. The semi-curved shape of this running shoe allows the natural shape of the foot to acclimate well to it when wearing it.

Outsole

The outsole unit of this running shoe uses a sticky rubber material that is very durable and very reliable when it comes to protecting the shoe from any damaged caused by debris or surface condition. Its shielding capability is top-notch because it has been optimized to last long.

Gripping lugs are placed all over the outsole. These nodes are the ones responsible for holding onto the surfaces with ease. They are 8mm in height for the Inov-8 Mudclaw 265. They deliver sure and dependable traction over many types of surfaces.

Midsole

The mid-sole unit uses an Injected Ethylene vinyl acetate material for a lightweight, comfortable and resilient underfoot experience. It doesn’t wear off easily, so it stays efficient even after many uses. It also offers memory retention so the runner constantly feels a platform that’s tuned to their specific needs.

The 1 Arrow Shoc-Zone™ offers additional minimal underfoot cushioning. A minimalist feel is greatly achieved because of its 3mm drop from the heel to the toe.

Upper

The upper unit of the Inov-8 Mudclaw 265 uses synthetic mesh, which is a soft yet durable material that covers the foot comfortably and securely. It permits the natural movement of the foot, so the running gait stays enabled.

A Toe Cap protects the forefoot section of the foot from any injury or discomfort brought about by the trails or debris.

The Met-Cradle™ is a webbing that’s made from synthetic materials. It supports the forefoot area and delivers a secure fit that’s comfortable and tuned to the needs of the wearer.

A 3mm Food Bed is added to improve the underfoot cushioning. It’s a helpful layer, especially since the Inov-8 Mudclaw 265 is a minimalist shoe that’s created to tackle unpredictable terrain. Additional underfoot comfort is welcome.